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Every coworking space is different, just like the communities they represent and the catalysts who start them. Even though every situation is unique, you don’t need to start from scratch. If you dream of starting a coworking space, you can save time and money (and avoid common mistakes) by learning from those who have already done it. Here's a list of ten resources you shouldn't miss.
By Angel Kwiatkowski - August 09, 2017

As stated in a recent Deskmag article about How To Start A Coworking Space, “the task ahead of you can be intimidating.” There’s A LOT to think about, from attracting the right members to choosing the right location. So where can you turn for tips, tricks, and advice from people who’ve actually been in your shoes? The global coworking community, of course.

The resources listed below were created by people who are passionate about collaboration, cooperation, and solving problems at the community level. This list goes beyond static articles to include opportunities for meaningful connection with people who possess priceless knowledge about starting a coworking space.

Be sure to leave a comment letting us know about any other valuable resource for starting a coworking space that belongs on this list!

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This guest post is written by Angel Kwaitkowski who started Cohere Community, the first and largest community-managed shared office space in Fort Collins, Colorado. Today, she helps others build better coworking communities through her consulting work and DIY educational resources.

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Basic Level Coworking Resources

Must-Read Books: If you want to start a successful coworking space, you have to do your homework, and these five books about coworking are required reading. Their authors include some of the most-experienced pioneers in the coworking community.

Coworking.com: There’s a wealth of information linked on this volunteer-run site, which acts as the digital “front door” of the global coworking community. From statistics and surveys to magazines and podcasts, it’s got everything a coworking space catalyst needs to get oriented, like this Coworking Core Values explainer.

The Coworking Wiki: Want to learn more about the history of coworking, understand coworking terminology, or find coworking spaces all over the world? Start here. This volunteer-run site is an encyclopedia about all things coworking.

Intermediate Level Coworking Resources

The Coworking Google Group: This longstanding online forum is a great place to begin your quest to start a coworking space. Choose to lurk, gathering knowledge from the informal question and answer threads, or dive in head first by introducing yourself to the group and starting your own thread.

The Coworking Leadership Slack Channel: Even though this resource for coworking thought leaders and space owners is fairly new, it’s already home to a robust community. With over 950 registered users, this is your chance to learn from some of the most inspiring people in the coworking movement.

The Global Coworking Unconference Conference (GCUC): Pronounced “juicy,” this event has quickly become the largest coworking conference series in the world. Attend the next event if you can, and if you can’t, GCUC’s website offers coworking podcasts and resources from past conferences.

Advanced Level Coworking Resources

Cowork University by Chris Cooley: Craving facetime with coworking influencers? Connect with other owners/founders all over the world via this exclusive video chat group. If you meet the membership criteria, you’ll enjoy a monthly facilitated discussion of topics that come up when starting or running a coworking space. Cowork University also offers two-day introductory, advanced and expert level classes that anyone can take based on their individual industry needs.

New Work Cities Organizers Club with Tony Bacigalupo: Membership in this group gives you access to accomplished coworking community organizers, educational programs, and business planning tools that will help you start, manage, and grow your space.

Coworking Mastermind Calls with Iris Kavanagh: This monthly video conference call is where coworking staffers and community managers share best practices, learn new ideas, and overcome challenges. Comes with a private Slack channel for ‘round the clock support!

Women Who Cowork Mastermind Group with Iris Kavanagh and Laura Shook: A safe haven in which existing female coworking space founders give and receive support while shaping the global coworking movement together.

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Angel Kwiatkowski is a coworking space owner, consultant and author of The Ultimate Coworking Launch Sequence. This first-of-its-kind coworking resource offers a fun mixture of interactive checklists, journal questions, timelines and reminders that walk aspiring space owners through every step of the process. Releases September, 1, 2017. Pre-order your copy today!

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Related articles: 

Opening Coworking Spaces & The First Year Post-Launch (Global Coworking Survey Results)

How to Start a Coworking Space

How to Maximize Membership Sales

How to Open a Second Coworking Space

How to Avoid Disaster When Starting A Coworking Space

ssfCoworking Trends Survey

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